Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) Practice Test

Which statement correctly describes a Wireless Security Module (WSM)?

1. It supports associated clients that perform active scans.

2. It provides attack detection without supporting clients.

3. It is integrated directly into access points.

4. It handles guest access management.

The correct answer is: It provides attack detection without supporting clients.

The statement that the Wireless Security Module (WSM) provides attack detection without supporting clients is accurate. A WSM acts as a dedicated component within a wireless network that focuses on monitoring and mitigating potential security threats. It is designed to analyze network traffic, detect unauthorized access attempts, and identify various types of attacks, such as denial-of-service (DoS) or rogue access points. The functionality of the WSM is essential in environments where security is a prime concern, as it can operate independently of the clients on the network. This means that it is not reliant on associated clients for its primary function of attack detection and security management, allowing for a more robust and proactive security posture. Regarding the other choices, while it may be appealing to consider aspects like handling guest access management or being integrated directly into access points, those functions are not the primary responsibilities of a Wireless Security Module. Similarly, the notion of supporting clients that perform active scans does not align with the main role of a WSM, which is specialized for monitoring and threat detection rather than client management or interaction.